MANILA, Philippines – More than a thousand members of indigenous religious organization Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) has been massing at the intersection of EDSA and Shaw Boulevard crying for separation of Church and State since Friday.
The said members of INC staged protest to question the investigation lodged against the top officials of the group by an expelled member for alleged abduction and threats and saying they were only exercising their freedom of religion.
The Philippine National Police on Sunday estimated 1,700 members of the politically influential and secretive Christian church flocking along Shaw Boulevard carrying placards, posters, and other protest paraphernalia to show objection in the complaints against its officials.
Prior to their protest in Shaw Boulevard, the members of INC gathered at the DOJ to hold vigil.
These protests drew flak from motorists who experienced heavy traffic last Friday.
INC members are allowed to stage protests in Manila until September 4, Friday after they secured permits. However, they are only allowed to conduct rally in Shaw Boulevard and Megamall until August 30, Sunday.
What do the protesters have to say? Check out in this slideshow:
Text by: Rosette Adel | Photos by: Efigenio Christopher Toledo IV